all the my verizon site will do is tell me i already have the account set up (no duh) from there I can go no further. I'm extremely frustrated at having wasted way too much time on what should have been a simple task!

I want to help end your frustration rpottsl! You stated you had successfully set up a Verizon Cloud account. Were you able to back anything up on it? Can you login successfully? Here's a great resource for tips on using Verizon Cloud. http://tiny.cc/8l145w

and click the hyperlink that says, "Already a Verizon Cloud user? Manage your content on the web" it will take you through the email and contacts that have been sent to the cloud. Are you looking for additional items sent to the cloud?
Does this Frequently Asked Questions help? http://vz.to/103EV5J